Book review: Fearless

September 8, 2009 (finally! I've been bursting waiting to tell you about this book!)

Death rays from space.

I saw an article on the internet the other day that we are radiated every year with the equivalent of ten chest x-rays every year from rays from outer space, which have the potential to mutate cells and cause cancer. "Death Rays" they were called. I mean, isn't there enough stuff to worry about without having to worry about being zapped from space?

Max Lucado's Fearless is based on this premise-- that despite a culture of fear in our media, and despite fear in our own circumstances, or even the mere threat of circumstances to make us afraid, that we don't have to be. We have a God who is bigger than all of our fears. Even death rays from space.

I have read many others by Max Lucado, and this one does not disappoint in its relevance and real life application. In each chapter of Fearless, Lucado tells a different story of a scenario of fear that we can all relate to. For example, one chapter is about "the fear of what's next. Another is "fear of violence". Each fear is then examined, and we are then called to challenge it, to battle it, to turn to God for courage and hope. He reminds us throughout with such beautiful gems of wisdom how much God is in control and involved deeply in all our circumstances with a heavenly perspective. And it's all firmly grounded in scripture.

Max Lucado writes with such illustration. He makes everything so clear, so visual, so common sense. He simplifies what we make so complicated. However, what I appreciated most while reading is that he doesn't paint a picture that is full of rainbows and roses. He is still careful to acknowledge that life is still messy. He includes details of his own life that we understand that he's lived it too, and that he's encountered his own fears as well.

Fearless is a great read for those who want to be free to run counter-current to the fear-filled world that we live in today. We don't have to be overcome by fear. What a good reminder! Lucado assures us that "bravery is still an option" because we have a God who cares about the intricate details in our lives, and gives us the strength to be brave as we trust Him for our lives.